Olympic shooting

One of the original events featured at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, the shooting sports have been present in all but the 1904 and 1928 games.

The United States leads the field in shooting sports medals with 103 all-time, including 50 gold. China is second with 42 total medals and 19 gold.

The Chinese had the top showing at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, taking home eight medals, five of which were gold. The U.S. was runner-up with six medals and two gold.

Archery made its Olympic debut at Paris 1900, was dropped from the program after the London 1908 Games and then returned for a single appearance in 1920. After a 52-year gap, the sport was reintroduced at Munich 1972 and has remained on the Olympic program.

Wisconsin is represented by Darlington native Michael McPhail, the top U.S. qualifier in the men's 50-meter rifle prone.

The 2012 Summer Olympics begin in London on Friday with shooting events starting the next day and wrapping up Aug. 5.

Fifteen shooting and four archery events are featured at this year's games: